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Ward Security #4

Sadistic Sherlock

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Ten years ago, Dominic Walsh faked his own death. With no true identity, it wasn’t hard. But if he’d stayed, he would have been drawn further into a life he’d never chosen. He has friends and family at Ward Security now and has managed to escape his dark past. There is only one thing he truly wants.

Abraham Stephens.

When Dom was first tasked with watching over his friend’s father, he didn’t expect to fall so hard for the gorgeous silver fox. But Abe is interested in friendship only. He’s at a point in his life where he wants something permanent, not a romp with the sexy redhead who happens to be the same age as his son.

But Abe finds himself drawn deeper into Dom’s life when cryptic messages start appearing—ones that frighten the skilled security specialist. The more Dom tries to hide what’s happening, the more Abe wants to help him.

And maybe, just maybe, he’ll find a way to trust the strength of the bond Dom understood from the start.

212 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 28, 2018

294 people are currently reading
504 people want to read

About the author

Jocelynn Drake

143 books2,898 followers
New York Times Bestselling author Jocelynn Drake loves a good story, whether she is reading it or writing one of her own. Over the years, her stories have allowed her to explore space, talk to dragons, dodge bullets with assassins, hang with vampires, and fall in love again and again.

This former Kentucky girl has moved up, down, and across the U.S. with her husband. Recently, they’ve settled near the Rockies.

When she is not hammering away at her keyboard or curled up with a book, she can be
walking her dog Ace, or playing video games. She loves Bruce Wayne, Ezio Auditore, travel, tattoos, explosions, and fast cars.

She is the author of the urban fantasy books: The Dark Days series and the Asylum Tales. For gay romance, she has completed The Exit Strategy and Shadow Elite series, and is now working on a spin-off of her MM paranormal series, Lords of Discord. She has also co-authored with Rinda Elliot the following series: Unbreakable Bonds, Ward Security, Pineapple Grove, the Weavers Circle. In addition, she has co-authored with AJ Sherwood the following series: Scales 'N' Spell and Wings 'N' Wands. She can be found at JocelynnDrake.com.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 245 reviews
Profile Image for Wendys Wycked Words.
1,590 reviews3,956 followers
September 24, 2018
4,5

I have been a huge fan of these two authors since I started the first book in the "Unbreakable Bonds" series, a couple of years ago. This did not change when they started their spinoff ,the "Ward Security" series. Sure, some books I loved a bit more than others (with some I mean "Devour"), but I definitely enjoyed all of them ;)

https://www.google.com/search?q=so much fun gif

I am glad to say that I very much enjoyed reading this one. I have been curious and Dominic and Abe since I read Dantes Unglued.

I would not advice trying to read these books as stand alones. The number of characters, and who they are exactly will have your head spinning, so best start with the first book in this series...or better, the Unbreakable Bonds series if you haven't yet.

I have a bit of a confession to make.. I am not a big fan of may/december books. The whole age-gap thing does nothing for me (don't throw food please).

https://www.google.com/search?biw=1517

I also don't have a "silver fox kink"....which my husband greatly regrets :P So whenever I start a book with and age-gap and an MC reaching the age of 50...I get a bit apprehensive. I can't help it, we all have our preferences. 

Anyways...back to Dominic and Abe. This was a bit of a slow build... and I got a bit antsy because nothing was happening !! Well I should not have worried, because pretty soon everything was happening and my feelings were all over the place !!

https://www.google.com/search?q=I don't know what I am feeling gif

There were times I felt I was watching a movie, instead of reading a book... It even had a very famous actor, who was funny as hell, if I do say so myself ;) I hope there will be more of him in future books. He could use his very own alpha man I think ;) 

It also has one of my most hated characters ever. I was actually surprised by my amount of hate for James... 

https://www.google.com/search?rlz=1C1AVFA_enNL804NL804

Thankfully there was also a lot of sweetness and Dom and Abe definitely burned up the sheets ;) It was so hot seeing Abe finally exploring his bi-sexuality.. I also appreciated seeing some of my all time favorite characters again...even if it was for just a sec (I LOVE YOU HOLLIS 1heart).

I really enjoyed reading this one, it was very entertaining....there was some mystery, suspense, steam sweetness and lots of humor...

I highly recommend this series ;) 
 
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My reviews are posted on DirtyBooksObsession

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Profile Image for Simone - on indefinite hiatus  -.
754 reviews40 followers
June 19, 2023
Reread June 2023: Audiobook = ***3 Stars***

**************************

Original review October 2018:

***4 - 4.5 Stars*** for my second favorite in this series

And what a nice surprise this was!
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It looks like this series continues to be an up and down for me... After really liking Psycho Romeo, being disappointed about Dantès Unglued, absolutely loving Deadly Dorian (yep, no worries, Royce, you are still my baby!!!!) and rolling my eyes about Jackson, I tried to keep my expectations low since I've seen some mixed ratings and age-gap is always a tricky trope for me. I breathed a deep sigh of relief (yeah, it's this type of read again) when I realized how much I enjoyed this story and totally bought Dom and Abe's relationship.

Yes, the MO of the authors appears to be always the same - a bodyguard of Ward Dating Security Service falling in love with a client - only with different characters, a twist to the plot and at least one of them gets bitten in the a** by his past. Yes, you can't take this plot too seriously and it might probably cause the one or other eye-roll...

BUT... the authors could have chosen a way more clichéd way to deal with Dom's evil twin appearing on the scene to make his life miserable, but even if I was sometimes virtually trying to shake some sense into Dom over his decisions and the outcome being me nearly strangling my Kindle, they still managed to give the story a somewhat unique touch, which made for an absolutely entertaining ride.

Dom and Abe's deepening relationship already became apparent in Dantès Unglued and saying I was wary about getting their story would be an understatement. But I'm always in for a friends-to-lovers trope and this slow burn with Dom stopping with his casual hookups and Abe being self-conscious about his inexperience, his age and how on earth a young and gorgeous guy like Dom could possibly want more than friendship with someone like him, felt absolutely and adorably real. Both are great characters and made for some funny, hot and sweet moments.

The highlight for me, though, is always the cameo of former characters, both from this series and the Unbreakable Bonds and I'm soaking up their banter like a dry sponge would soak up water. And with the introduction of Trent (helloooo, a George-Clooney-lookalike? Me likey! ;-) ), there's another guy I'm dying to see getting his HEA and his humor...
"My lack of rhythm makes me look like a T-Rex doing the pee-pee dance."

... already made me laugh so hard, it almost gave me a choking fit. ;-) So, dear authors *inserts big puppy dog eyes*, pretty please???

***Josy, Christelle and Karen, thank you for doubling the fun again with this buddy-read and thank you, Shile, for stopping by and stalking supporting us. ❤
Profile Image for Erth.
4,626 reviews
June 8, 2019
Dom has been pursuing Shane’s dad Abe since book one and a few months later, Abe finally starts to bend. At the same time, Dom’s past starts interfering and endangering them both. It’s the same sort of formula for suspense used in the other books, where Rowe and the security team close ranks to protect their own. In this case Dom was kind of dumb, since he didn’t go to anyone for help, even when he knew Abe was in danger and from whom and how many. That didn’t make a lot of sense.

It actually becomes kind of fun with the eventual plot device used, then of course the Shattered crew smooths over the legal grey areas for a smooth ending. It’s hot too with Abe the silver fox, bisexual virgin, shocking his son Shane. I’m guessing the next book may include Trent, the probably closeted movie star and maybe Garrett? Even though they’re a bit predictable the author duo always manages to toss in extra interesting details for the characters. This one improved even my vocabulary! I’lol keep reading them for dependably engaging stories and the ever-expanding yet familiar ensemble cast.
Profile Image for Cadiva.
4,000 reviews439 followers
September 24, 2018
#Dominabe shoot to the top of my fave Ward Security pairings (sorry Marc and Royce) with this sexy and action-packed romance.

I've been waiting for this one ever since the sparks started flying way back in Dantès Unglued when cheeky and utterly gorgeous redheaded bodyguard Dom bumped into Shane's father Abe.

Age gap, silver foxes, a secret cypher, a Hollywood A-lister and a plot that wouldn't be out of place in a Jason Bourne film, all come together perfectly.

There's the usual subtle nudges to the book title throughout, here it's all about the puzzles and those secrets coming back to haunt our erstwhile hero.

This book is also pretty funny, I spent almost as much time chuckling as I did wondering at what outrageous thing was going to happen next.

I just love these books, they're action-adventure TV dramady fodder with lots of awesome sexy characters and a real sense of family and friendship.

What's not to like?! It even has kitty duct tape :D

PS: I hope Trent's going to be sticking around a bit more, he was hilarious with a hint of vulnerability and I'd love to get his story. Garrett's free right Jocelynn, Rinda ;)

#ARC kindly received from the authors in return for an honest and unbiased review.
Profile Image for Susan.
2,349 reviews460 followers
September 25, 2018
After absolutely loving the first book, but being disappointed by the rest of the books in this spin-off, I started this with some apprehension. And for the first 30% I was sure it was going to be a total bust. I wasn’t feeling the romance, I wasn’t feeling the story. But…. then all of a sudden, I did get into it. More and more even. I was feeling the characters, I was feeling the story, and I was even feeling the romance! I ended up really liking it. So hallelujah, there’s still hope for this spin-off!

Dom is a 32 year old employee of Ward Security, and has been pining for Shane’s father, Abe, for some months now. Dom is not sure why Abe doesn’t want to be more than friends, especially since Abe does seem to notice Dom that way.

49 year old Abe is sure Dom is too young for him. And if not too young, than at least not looking for something serious. Abe does want something serious with the gorgeous man, but he’s afraid to get hurt if he gives in to his desires.

When Dom assures Abe it is not just sex he’s looking for with him, they tentatively take the first step and kiss. They decide to take it slow after that.

But when Dom finds out his evil twin brother found him after all these years, he is distressed. Dom faked his own death 10 years ago so that James couldn’t find him anymore. But it looks like he did now...

As I said, I wasn’t feeling it at first, and that was mainly because I wasn’t feeling Dom’s player ways. He said he was serious about Abe, but the flirting felt so fake and more how you would treat a hook-up that I had a hard time believing in their chemistry.

I think the main turning point for me was when Dom and Abe were kissing and then Dom said they shouldn’t have sex, but take it slower so that they both could get used to the idea of them being serious about each other. And when that coincided with us finding out more about Dom’s past, it made me care for him a great deal more.

After that crucial point I had that same rush I always felt with the UB series. I really wanted to find out what would happen and I couldn’t read fast enough.

There was of course a point in the story where Dom was being TSTL, but I guess that’s a popular plot in lots of books. Of course I wasn’t too upset since it resulted in an awesome rescue scene.

And there was one scene near the end that was just so awesome. I won’t get into it because I don’t want to say too much, but it was just too funny. I could totally picture the whole thing and everyone who played a part in it. And can I just say that I love Trent. I want his book.

Now this was just like I wanted this series to be. Well, except for the slow start that is. But after that, we had action, romance, sexy times, and funny moments. Now let’s hope the rest of the books will be like this one!

------------------------------

An ARC of Sadistic Sherlock was generously provided by the authors in exchange for an honest review.

This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
February 15, 2019
Audio 3.75 stars I didn't like the voice given for Dom, but Abe's voice was sexy as hell!

Story 3 stars

I loved Abe and Dom together, but I would have preferred to read about their relationship development instead of being told about it after the fact. Just knowing that Dom had been perusing Abe for a year before Abe gives into him wasn’t enough for me. I also wasn’t feeling the whole evil twin thing either. The story felt rushed and the ending anticlimactic.
Profile Image for Sabrina.
594 reviews266 followers
October 11, 2018
“You like the way it feels to kiss me? Touch me?”
“I like it a lot more than I expected, and I expected to love it.”





Keep them coming! I didn’t know that I would find 2 series that I would want every character that is introduced to get their own book and this and the UB series were definitely that.

I want more books. Yes, I’m an insatiable person when it comes to books.
You can also call me an ungrateful brat for not thinking that getting two series is enough. But is not.

I can’t believe this is the last book ever. I can’t.
The Unbreakable Bond Series and this one were not enough to satisfy me. I want more. I need more.

This two authors wrote one of my favorite series of m/m romance. So I can say without a doubt that if they ever write anything else together I’m reading it, and I have already sold my soul to them and would do it again if it meant that I get more awesome reads.

So I will keep waiting patiently for that to happen. And by patiently I mean that I will be suffering the entire time but I hope that it will be worth it and I will get more books.

This was the smaller book of this series and the romance happened quite fast.
I didn’t like that I didn’t get to see the 8 months that they were together as friends. I love to see relationships developed and unfortunately, we didn’t get to see in here a lot. Because if happened out of the book.

That didn’t mean that I didn’t enjoy reading this, because I did, a lot.
Like all of the books (I’m so happy that I can say that) we see more of the other characters and how their lives are going. And damn this just got me with a bigger need to have more books.

Like everyone by now must know I love all of the characters so freaking much. I love them all. They are amazing, selfless, strong, loving, smart, funny, hot, interesting and so damn loyal.

Every freaking book in this series has friendships goal, and I live for that.

Dom was a very interesting character to know about. His past surprise that shit out of me. I wasn’t expecting that.
And I really liked how his past didn’t change Abe opinion about him. That’s real love people.

The difference in age didn’t bother me so much, mostly because I’m used to reading books with age gaps.
In this book, the age difference is of 17-18 years.
I get that some people might want to back of this book for that reason, but it was handled very well. So I recommend.
And is also good because it gives you a conclusion to this series.

This had a lot of action, funny moments, steamy scenes, intriguing past and great writing. Like all of the books in this and in the UB series.
Profile Image for Tanu Gill.
575 reviews266 followers
May 24, 2019
Loved it! Loved Dom and Abe together. And I can’t fathom this series ever ending. So please, authors, keep bringing more and more characters to your world.
Profile Image for Christelle.
808 reviews
October 23, 2018
**3.5 stars**

For all the fans of a hot MM romance involving security agents, age-gap and not minding a cray-cray plot and also for the fans of heroes from Jocelynn Drake and Rinda Elliott.

It’s not a standalone per se : even though it’s focused on the sexy and easy-going security agent Dominic pursuing Abe, the hot as hell father of one of Dom’s friend, introduced in Dantes Unglued, all the previous characters from this series and a lot of the characters from the unbreakable bonds series make some appearances, to my utmost delight.

On a pure “plot” point of view, this series has been a bit weak for me and it doesn’t change here. Dominic’s shady and buried past comes back to haunt him and threatens Abe. Dominic is set in handling this on his own, too ashamed by his past, while persuading Abe to give a shot to a real relationship with him. Could have been interesting if more thoughts had been put into this and its resolution. But I don’t go into this series for the plot anymore and expect some eye-rolling time.

No, what keeps me enjoying this series is to spend some time with all these book-friends, having fun with their meddling and the overuse of codenames and duct tape, and to get nicely worked up with a well written and hot, hot romance with MCs I can’t help getting fond of. And Dominic and Abe were really good for me !!

If only the plot could be better, please, pretty please. The ideas are there, after all !!

**Note : thanks for this BR, Karen, Simone and Josy and waving hello to Shile, our nice stalker ;-)**
Profile Image for Jennifer☠Pher☠.
2,970 reviews274 followers
September 25, 2018
Huh.

So, I was totally against this book from the second I caught wind it was happening. It sounded the like the fans asked and the authors answered and I am not a fan of everyone we meet in a story getting a book. Everyone we meet in a book does not need a book. I did not need Shane’s Dad to all of a sudden be gay and I surely did not need him with the Player of Ward Security. Add into that the age gap thing and the drama that a lot of the time comes with that and nope, no way, uh-uh, not for me.

Then I heard this book had been in the works long before we even met Shane’s Dad and wasn’t an answer to the fans although I think that Angelo guy might...Anyway…

Then I said I’d read it for research and take one for the team and all that (hey Anne!!)

And well, I liked it.

Quite a bit actually.

Dom’s backstory did it for me. As crazy and over the top as it was and became as the story went on I feel it was one of the best yet.

And the age gap? Well, this isn’t a twenty something with a forty something, Dom is a bit older, thiry-two I think and it didn’t seem so vast to me with him and Abe. It is vast but it just didn’t seem it or something. Not to mention it wasn’t an issue really. I mean, it was but it was mostly off page in the 8 months they spend dancing around each other off the page, yes!

But yeah, this was caaaaaarrrrraaaaazzzzzyyyy over the top but I didn’t even care!

So, just goes to show you that chances should be taken because sometimes the best things come from things you think you might not like.

Who’s next? I’m ready.

**This book was provided by the author via IndiGo Marketing & Design in exchange for an honest review.**
Profile Image for Fabi NEEDS Email Notifications.
1,038 reviews153 followers
December 29, 2018
I don't think I'll be continuing this series. I enjoyed Psycho Romeo, but the rest of the books haven't really done it for me. I was looking forward to this one because it has better reviews than the previous ones. I'd hoped this would be the one to bring it all back on track for me. Unfortunately, it didn't. It suffers from the same trouble the others have. The crime/mystery is not well executed. Considering that's the main trope of these romance books, I have to conclude that they are not going to work for me. As much as I enjoyed the original series, this spinoff doesn't hold a candle.

My rating reflects my disappointment with the series, even though I thought this book was slightly better than the previous two.
386 reviews23 followers
September 30, 2018
When your dark past comes to possibly kill you and your loved ones... You should ask for help!! Dom works for one of the top security firms, but hopes the problem will just go away!!? Also, did I miss how his evil brother found out he was alive!? I hate when characters do stupid, stupid shit. I expect this from a civilian, but not from trained professionals. It would've been different if he was still trying to hide his past, but Rowe already knew. I'm glad I borrowed this from KU because I was disappointed. The writing was on point as usual, but I was just too bothered by Dom's stupid choices to enjoy this more.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for BWT.
2,252 reviews245 followers
September 28, 2018
Dominic Walsh is thirty-two years old and can't get forty-nine year old Abe out of his head. Abe tries to deny his feelings for Dom citing their age difference, but really he's just scared of getting his heart broken. But Dom isn't interested in just a hookup - he wants all in with Abe.
“This matters, Abe. Really matters. You like the way it feels to kiss me? Touch me?”
“I like it a lot more than I expected, and I expected to love it.”
Dom’s chuckle was so low and throaty, Abe’s dick jerked in his jeans and he winced and glanced down at it.
“Well, I’ve been with a lot of men. Enough to know the kind of excitement I’m feeling right here with you is more important than a hookup.”

Unfortunately, just as they begin to get over both their hangups and start their relationship, Dom's past catches up with him and suddenly it's not just Dom's life on the line, but Abe's in danger as well.

I loved the dual POV, and the humor, and the suspense is finely drawn - I was on the edge of my seat a couple of times only breathing easier once the guys were safe again. I could have done without Dom's regrettable lapses in judgement, but I loved getting to see some character favorites from past installments as a direct result - so I can't be too mad. Most of all I loved the happy ending...and, well, it has to be said: They're a silver fox and a ginger. Hell yeah!
With Dom, he felt connected on a deeper level. There was something in his stare, in the way he let go, the way he trusted Abe so completely, that made it so much more.



Dom and Abe did not disappoint. Sadistic Sherlock is a really strong addition to the Ward Security series and I can hardly wait to see where Drake and Elliot take it next.

Advanced Review Galley copy of Sadistic Sherlock provided by the authors in exchange of an honest review.

This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
Profile Image for CaRo.
181 reviews31 followers
September 29, 2018
I liked the story, it was well written as expected 🙃 the relationship between Abe (hate the name btw) and Dom was sweet but not hot. I am just not fond of such huge age gaps. I love this series hope there are many more books to come!
Profile Image for Josy.
992 reviews3 followers
October 14, 2018
~ 4.5 stars ~

For me, this was the best book in the series so far.

I really liked the MCs, Abe and Dom, and the connection they shared. I would call this one a slow burn, friends-to-lovers trope because the MCs have known each other for quite some time. They first met in Dantès Unglued and they kept in contact and became friends after that.

Abe was resistant to Dom's very obvious flirting and attempts at seduction for quite some time - not only because of the 18 year age gap between them but also because of a painful past relationship. Also, from how Abe described himself, I think he is demisexual which would explain why he wasn't interested in a casual hookup with Dom.

Dom kept at it though and slowly but steadily won Abe over. And when he finally did, these men burned up the sheets! I really loved the sex scenes in this book! There weren't too many and they were part of the relationship development but best of all, there was fun and laughter as well as passion.

After the first few books in this series which left me a bit disappointed, I learned not to expect too much from the plot. It's always too easy, too convenient, and at times quite unrealistic. I don't recommend reading these books for the mystery because that part is always the weakest IMO. But if you can overlook this flaw and are in need of an enjoyable mix of romance, action, great characters, and hot sexy times, then this series should be a winner for you.

Thank you to my lovely ladies Karen, Simone, and Christelle who read this book with me! I had lots of fun as always :)

edit: I wouldn't mind if Trent got his own book. He seems like an interesting guy and I'd like to know more about him.
Profile Image for Mirjana **DTR - Down to Read**.
1,481 reviews811 followers
October 10, 2018

***3.5 Stars***

“This matters, Abe. Really matters. You like the way it feels to kiss me? Touch me?”

“I like it a lot more than I expected, and I expected to love it.”


This series has been a bit of a crapshoot for me. The balance between pacing, suspense, action, chemistry, cheese-factor, steam, and plot has been off and inconsistent in this spinoff series.

I'm finding it difficult to truly sink my teeth into the stories and characters, and more times than not, I'm left feeling like a reader who's finished a story but will probably forget about it in a day or two. Each time I start a book, I have to remind myself who all these people are.

But let me talk about this book. I really liked Abe and Dominic together. Abe was nearing 50 and finding himself finally exploring his bisexuality. And Dom, the 32 yr old goofy playboy, has set his sights on Abe. Age is just a number, and 18 years is not going to stand in Dom's way. Not with the way he's feeling about the older man.

Everything about this story was set in the fast lane....with the exception of the fact that Abe and Dom have been chatting and getting to know each other for about 8 months. We don't get that. We're just told about it. We're thrown into the middle of their story where Dom's getting antsy and Abe's getting ready to finally cross the line. I wanted more of the 8 months.

The suspense was OTT (as was expected), the romance was cheesy (as was expected), the sex was hot (as was expected)...but I'm just not connecting to anyone like I did in the Unbreakable Bonds series.

Will I keep reading this series and more from these authors? Hell yes.

Even though I'm not 100% on board with these latest books, I still reach for them...I'm still curious, I still have a hard time putting them down, and I will read ANY book set in the same world as the Unbreakable Bonds guys.

Image result for no lies detected gif
Profile Image for Ariana  (mostly offline).
1,683 reviews97 followers
October 5, 2018
Nope. This one was not for me.

It had a lot of potential with the quite substantial age gap of 18 years between the MCs, a tricky situation and the presence of all the guys at Ward security.
But, as events unfolded, I couldn't help rolling my eyes again and again. It felt as if the authors are finally running out of ideas and as a result come up with some very questionable plot lines.
I have touched upon what bothered me in my updates and could go on, but will leave it at that.

Not sure I will return to this series. It feels too much like a spin-off of a fab series gradually going the wrong direction. *disappointed*
Profile Image for Chris.
2,070 reviews
September 29, 2018
So Dom finally got his man - Abe ! Really enjoyed this pair but felt like it absolutely flew !!! There was some solid tension in this storyline but it seemed to have resolved super quickly - a few more chapters may have added to the drama 🙂. This is a great series ... this was probably not my favorite but it was solid all the same.
Profile Image for Vanna.
810 reviews96 followers
August 12, 2019
3.75 stars!! 💕 Liked it!! 😁The story was action-packed, steamy, OTT featuring an evil-twin and had some melodrama too; everything that you expect from these two star authors. However, although I'm 💖ing the Ward Security Series, I feel that the bond between the security guys is not quite the same as the "unbreakable bond" friends💞. Nevertheless the amount of danger, angst and thrill they go through before they find love is quite intense😱 😍 and what makes these books such fun reads.

In this story, Dom and Abe not only have an age gap to overcome; they also have to fight through Dom's deadly past 😳 which has resurrected in the form of an evil twin brother. 😱. The brother is very caricature-villain-like with nothing redeemable about him, so you don't feel sorry for him at all, but I still would have liked a little more insight into the brothers' relationship before Dom made his disappearing act. Also missing was how Dom and Abe became close friends and why Dom was so willing to ditch his former playboy image for Abe. 🙄.

All in all, despite this being a wonderfully thrilling book and a good addition to the series👍👍, I feel that there is a lack of depth in this book and probably the entire series. I'm not getting invested in these characters like I was when I was reading the Unbreakable Bond books. I don't know, maybe its me and not the books. 🙁
Profile Image for haletostilinski.
1,525 reviews654 followers
October 4, 2018
Ah, I loved this one. This was probably my favorite of the Ward Security series. Dom and Abe just had amazing chemistry and the story was interesting and intriguing (although the evil twin thing made me laugh).

I admit I forgot who Abe was at the start of this, and I looked back at the past book summaries to see if I could recall who he was related to, and then I read the one for Dantes Unglued and then it clicked. Right! Shane from the second book.

I had barely remembered Abe, except I did remember him being a good father, and a having been a teenage father. So he's 17 years older than Dom, who is the same age as his son.

That apparently was tripping him up for awhile, but also because he had some insecurities and fear of putting his heart out there again, after what his ex-wife Patricia did to him.

But Dom isn't her, and he's fallen for Abe hard, as much as Abe has for him - it's just convincing Abe to give them a shot that has been hard.

But once Abe gives in, the sparks fly, and these two can't get enough of each other. Put that in with some danger with Dom's past coming back to haunt him, and it makes for a fun, entertaining ride. I loved this one.

Highly recommend if you've been enjoying this series. Definitely worth a read!
Profile Image for Antisocial Recluse.
2,712 reviews
October 13, 2018
All the fun and drama I expected

Dom has been pursuing Shane’s dad Abe since book one and a few months later, Abe finally starts to bend. At the same time, Dom’s past starts interfering and endangering them both. It’s the same sort of formula for suspense used in the other books, where Rowe and the security team close ranks to protect their own. In this case Dom was kind of dumb, since he didn’t go to anyone for help, even when he knew Abe was in danger and from whom and how many. That didn’t make a lot of sense.

It actually becomes kind of fun with the eventual plot device used, then of course the Shattered crew smooths over the legal grey areas for a smooth ending. It’s hot too with Abe the silver fox, bisexual virgin, shocking his son Shane. I’m guessing the next book may include Trent, the probably closeted movie star and maybe Garrett? Even though they’re a bit predictable the author duo always manages to toss in extra interesting details for the characters. This one improved even my vocabulary! I’lol keep reading them for dependably engaging stories and the ever-expanding yet familiar ensemble cast.
Profile Image for Teri.
1,801 reviews
October 29, 2018
3.5 stars
I really liked these characters and the slow burn between them and they were pretty explosive and hot together, but the drama part of this one just killed me. I was upset with the way Dom handled things and I was just like..not feeling that part of it. Always good to see the other characters. will read more from these authors.
Profile Image for Leigh.
1,398 reviews325 followers
October 17, 2018
4.5 stars

The Ward Security series has been a very enjoyable spin off to the Unbreakable Bonds but I have to say Sadistic Sherlock was my favorite. I loved Dom and Abe, their chemistry was great. I loved their friendship and Dom's constant flirting but what I loved the most was Abe finally letting himself be happy. No book in this series would be complete without some kind of trouble and of course Rowe. I'm also loving the bonds that are being created by this new group. I'm looking forward to what the authors have in store for us next.
Profile Image for Karen.
1,860 reviews91 followers
October 29, 2018
4.5 stars rounded down because no 1/2 stars here on GR and another awesome buddy read with my besties Josy, Christelle & Simone. Hopefully a full review will follow soonish...but so far I'd have to say this was my favorite in this series.
Profile Image for Lyndy Ann ♫.
672 reviews
October 5, 2018
This is the fourth adventure with the Ward Security team this time around we get to know more about Dominic Walsh’s life and his mysterious past.

Sadistic Sherlock has a different feel to it that the previous books in the Ward Security series as Dom and Abe are already friends, they met when Dom protected Abe in Dantes Unglued.

Dom has made it clear from the start that he is interested in more than a friendship with Abe, but Abe has put them firmly in the friend zone.

Abe Stephens is coming up to his fiftieth and Dom is the same age as Shane Abe’s son, it is not only the age gap that worries Abe but the fact that he has never been with a man before he’s looked but never touched.

This was a fun ride getting to know these two men better and discovering more about Dom’s past and what he escaped, spending time with them as Abe discovered what being with a man was like, Dom loved being the teacher this was hot and of course all the escapades the Ward team go on as always, I would love to work with these guys there would never be a dull day at the office.

I am not mentioning anything about Dom’s past it is more exciting going in blind, but I will admit that Dom PISSED ME OFF when things started happening why he did not go straight to Rowe for help (male pride) and PLEASE can we have more Andrei in this series as he is the COO for the company.

Looking forward to more adventures with Ward Security especially hoping for more Garrett and Cole the new IT guy.
Profile Image for Claudia.
3,031 reviews109 followers
September 26, 2020
Sept 2020
I am really glad I read this story again ... although I think I did not love it as much as the first time around. so only 4,5 stars this time.
the relationship part was as good as I remembered but the story had some weaknesses or lets say the final showdown had.
nevertheless, I love this series and this book

Sept 2018
first of all, I love everything written by Jocelynn and Rinda - yes the unbreakable series is my favorite ... or at lease Snow and Jude are, but this series is also great.

but this book, is my favorte from this series so far. Dominic is one of the best characters ever! he had a hard time growing up but he is still a fun person, who is very loyal and at times hilarious.

the banter between him and Abe was one of the best I've ever read (and I read a lot) ... but with this book I had moments of loud laughing with tears and everything.

Nevertheless, it is quite serious at times and the growth of the relationship between Dom and Abe is perfect! I adored these two together - you can see and feel that they are made for each other!

Trent was also a great addition and that we see so many characters of Ward Security was great (the only one missing was Andre ... )

This book is one of my favorites from some of my favorite authors. So if you like suspense, romance and two great MCs (and some great secondary characters) - please read this book!!

I loved, Loved, LOVED it!


(and I think I would have enjoyed seeing more of his struggles of the last 10 years and the beginning of his work with Ward security as well as more of the beginning of the friendship between Dom and Abe ... but that is just an afterthought and definitely not necessay for the story)
Profile Image for Amanda.
1,398 reviews326 followers
September 27, 2018
Sadistic Sherlock is another great addition to the series that I love. We have an age gap romance between Dominic and Shane's dad Abe and some added suspense with Dom's past coming back to haunt him. I was a bit disappointed that we skip the whole Dom meeting Abe for the first time thing and how they developed their friendship over the months. We are smack right in the middle of their budding friendship with Dom persistently trying to seduce Abe to start something with him. For those new readers who jumped into this without reading the previous book, they might feel disconnected with the characters.

Abe is nearing his big five-o and had some reservation about acting on his attraction towards a man, which is understandable. Dom is almost at the same age as his son, Shane. However, Dom is such a charming, little cheeky brat that he finally wear Abe down with his power of persuasion. I find their relationship real solid from the get go probably due them holding out for so long. Abe is such a sexy silver fox and I can definitely imagine his appeal.

Reading this book is effortless, as I manage to finish it in one day despite not having much time. The plot move seamlessly and engaged me at every page, both the romance and the suspense. The suspense part was intriguing with the appearance of Dom's family member that want to wreck havoc to his peaceful life. The villain was kinda scary and I'm nervous for Dom. Abe is not a fighter, unlike the member of Ward Security, but I'm glad to see him played an important role in the grand scheme of thing.
Profile Image for Santy.
1,260 reviews77 followers
October 5, 2018
4.5 Stars Rounded up because I freaking loved this book!

This is currently my favourite book of the series with no close contender. I adored Dom and Abe. They were perfect for each other. Their love and connection was so believable I could virtually touch it. The banter they tossed at each other so easily and the outrageous words made me laugh. I also loved how affectionate Abe was to Dom who clearly needed it.

The situation with Dom’s past was handled perfectly. It was equal parts scary and funny the way everyone at Ward pitched in to get a solution to his creepy-ass & sadistic problem.

Who else thinks Trent and/or Garrett should get their own books or even better, get a book where they are paired together? I know I do! Their additions would be great for the series.
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